The family of Ibrahim Mbaya, the University of Jos graduate who allegedly died after being attacked by a mob in Jos, Plateau State, has scheduled his burial for Thursday in his hometown in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State.
His younger brother, James Mbaya, said the family was making arrangements to transport his remains for burial.
“We are making arrangements for his corpse to be brought home. He will be buried on Thursday,” James said.
He said Ibrahim’s death had left the family heartbroken, especially their parents, who had looked forward to seeing him achieve his ambitions.
“His (Ibrahim) death has really devastated us, especially our parents. I don’t think they are ever going to recover from the shock of his death because he was the first child and the first male child of the family. We had great expectations from him.
“He had a lot of dreams that were unachieved. We are really disheartened about his death, but there is nothing we can do about it again; we just have to take it in good faith and hope that justice is done,” James added.
The family described the 25-year-old as an aspiring entrepreneur, model and dancer whose plans to establish a fashion business and a restaurant were cut short by the incident.
They urged security agencies to ensure that everyone linked to the killing faces justice.
“Everyone involved in his death should get the punishment they deserve, although this won’t bring him back, but it is the best thing that can ever happen to the family after his tragic loss.
“The manner in which he died was very brutal and inhumane. Nobody should have gone through such inhumane treatment. I can never wish my enemy to be treated that way by those animals. Nobody should die such a brutal death. It is quite terrible and horrifying,” he said.
Police said the incident happened on Sunday at an apartment near the City of David area along Ring Road in Jos.
According to investigators, Mbaya stayed overnight at a friend’s residence after attending a social event. The next morning, he was accused of taking a missing iPhone after his friend claimed they were the only people in the apartment.
He reportedly returned after being contacted to explain the allegation but was allegedly attacked by his friend and a group of youths, who accused him of stealing the phone.
The Plateau State Police Command said the victim was beaten with sticks and other objects until he became unconscious. A nurse later confirmed him dead.
Police have arrested three suspects — Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear and Nensemka Fwanji — as investigations into the alleged murder continue.
